Can I hibernate now?

This is what I did this week. And I didn't miss any work. Although I'm going to have to take a 'Mental Health Day' very very soon!

Go Vote (Book/Author-Wise)!!!!!

So, I saw that Kim is up for an award or two and, naturally, had to go vote. I encourage you to do the same if you've read her. Hell, go check it out even if you haven't, there might be a few you have read.

Just follow this link: Urban Fantasy Land Readers' Choice Awards

Happy Voting!

Shop, Swap, and Knit

No photos today. And some of the commentary might be vague and/or cryptic.

Koolhaas Update:

That demonic really cool hat that I talked about in the last post. Yeah, you know the one I'm talking about. Yeah, well, it's in the corner because after 2 more attempts, the yarn is screaming in pain, my finger refuses to cooperate with me, the cat is slightly more psychotic, and OH thinks I've been sampling too many yarn fumes. So it's going into the naughty pattern corner for now. I'll get back to it at some future date (preferably armed with um...something scary).

Back to our not-so-regularly scheduled post.

I finished the shawl I'd been working on (Foulard, pattern here) and am happy to report that the recipient absolutely loved it! Even her husband gave it good reviews, so 'scuse me while I do my little victory dance.

I also started on a Clapotis (affectionately renamed 'the clap'). So far, so good. I went downstairs a bit ago to give OH an update. Here's how the conversation went:

me: I'm almost ready to start on section 3 of the clap.
OH (absently): Yeah? I didn't know they had a program for that...

Beware trying to update anyone not familiar with your world, especially if you're not sure you have their complete attention or the WIP at hand. That was my funny for the day.

If you don't already know, I've signed up for two swaps! One is the Igor Thwap, which hath been very fun tho far, and I have to thtop getting thingth to put into it! My thpoilee ith ath exthited ath I am, I think. And yeth, we talk in Igor-thpeak. But we're Igorinath, so we don't always lithp.

The other is the Love Bites Swap, which is-in case you can't tell-vampire related goodies! It's also a secret swap. So, even though I've got lots of goodies ready, in progress, or on order, I can't share them just yet. But there's been some really cool ideas brought to my attention. I had to make myself stop buying and start assembling or else I wouldn't get it done and I would probably have to ship it in either a very large box or several smaller boxes.

I went shopping today to get some things for the swaps. I was trying to concentrate more on one than the other right now so that I can keep things straight. I'll get the other one bought next weekend. Ames, I really am sorry I wasn't much fun this trip. I could give you several excuses as to why, but neither of us really needs that, now, do we? Suffice it to say that I'm more or less better now.

I also have to put together the A/V portion of my group's presentation this weekend. I want to have it all done before Monday so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

Cookies and happies and warm toasties to you, my readers!

Adventures of a Koolhaas

I'm attempting to make this hat (pattern available here). The keyword being attempt. This pattern is starting to just piss me right off.

Don't get me wrong, I adore the hat. I want one! I want to make the damned thing. And I want mine to look like this picture! But in a different color.

Unfortunately, this is the first pattern that has boggled my modifications. Usually, I can just work a chart from left to right with no problems. This one has been ... well ... frustrating.

Attempt #1:

Cast on. Work the requisite 10 rounds of 2x2 ribbing, no problem. Change needle size (as per pattern) and begin working lattice pattern. Learn how to cable without a needle (+1 exp.) and get to row 6. Pause to rest fingers, notice blisters forming on index finger (definitely have a good and pointy needle, at least) and look at hat. Pattern is not emerging. Throw project down, eat chocolate to calm down. Frog and restart.

Attempt #2:

Cast on. Work the ribbing. Change needle size (still with the pattern so far), and begin lattice pattern again, being careful to use a consistent technique on the cables. Work to row 7. Pause to apply ointment to blistered index finger and look at hat. Pattern still isn't emerging. Throw project down in disgust, wander off in search of chocolate, muttering about patterns that aren't cooperating. Frog and restart....

Attempt #3:

Cast on. By some miracle, the yarn is not looking any worse for wear. Work the ribbing. Have a stroke of genius before starting the lattice and insert lifeline. Change needle size, start lattice pattern. Get to row 6. Stop to check progress of both pattern and healing finger. Finger is doing well, and pattern is almost emerging, but still doesn't look quite right. Deep breath. Inhale chocolate. Choke on chocolate pieces going into lungs. Stumble out of room in search of liquid, tangle yarn around legs, trip over cat, bang head on wall. So now we can add mild concussion and a lovely blue-tinted face (hey, at least it matches the yarn) to the poor battered, blistered index finger. Once streaming eyes clear up, look at hat again in the hopes of it magically looking correct. Nope, still not quite right. Sigh, because it's late at night and the neighbors might complain if I start screaming, frog, storm away to play video games and plan on restarting tomorrow.

To be continued....

First FO of the year!

This is my first completed project of the year! No matter that I started it last month. I finished it today!

The pattern is Clamber and can be found here.

OH even commented on it. In a positive way :P

2008 In Review (Kinda)

I had planned on writing this nifty, insightful and witty post to close out this year. But then I got realistic and remembered that I'm lazy! So, I got this meme from Ames:

2008 IS ALMOST OVER, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?

lost a friend?
Didn't lose them as such, just started putting as much effort into the friendship as they were (minimal)

stayed single almost the whole year?
nope

kissed someone new?
nope

had your heart broken?
nope. it's pretty difficult to break frozen stone lol

had a stalker?
nope, I'm scarier than them.

done something you've regretted?
oh probably. but I learned from it.

were involved in something you'll never forget?
yep

visited a different country?
nope

lost something important to you?
don't think so

got a gift you adored?
sure!

dyed your hair?
yep, once or twice.

read a great book?
yep! Can we say Kim Harrison??

saw one of your favorite bands/artists live?
nope

2008:Your Love Life

Did you break up with anyone?
nope


Did you get anything for Valentine's day?
we don't celebrate it (by mutual agreement)

Did you meet anyone special?
sure, i've definitely met some 'special' people....

Did you fall in love?
Well, there was this pattern...and this yarn...need I go on?

Do you like someone right now?
Yes, I like my friends!!! (I'll second Ames' answer here)

2008: Friends and Enemies

Did you meet any new friends this year?
yep

Did you dislike anyone?
I tried to be impartial first...

Did you make any new enemies?
ohhh probably

Did you resolve any fights?
possibly?

Did you grow apart from anyone?
see the first question....

Do you have any regrets when it comes to your friendships?
Just that I wished I could have spent more time with some of them. (Ames' answer again!)

2008:Your BIRTHDAY!

Did you have a cake?
I think so?

Did you have a party?
nope

Did you get any presents?
yes

If so what was the best thing you got?
yes?

2008: All about YOU

Did you change at all this year?
I learned stuff

Did you get your hair cut?
yep. I got a whopping 8-9 inches lopped off!

Did you change your style?
Uhhhh.....

Did you have a job?
yep. got my 10 yrs in this year

Did you drive?
yep

Did anyone close to you give birth?
if they did, they hid it real well....

Did you move at all?
I move every day. Did I change residences? Nope

Did you go on any vacations?
I think so?

Would you change anything about yourself now?
I'm always a work in progress


2008: 2009

Was 2008 a good year?
sure

Do you think 2009 will top 2008?
ask me in a year


2009 Plans - Goals and Resolutions.....
I have some goals. I don't make resolutions anymore. I feel like it's setting myself up to fail.

Happy New Year, my three readers!

Post-Holiday Bare Bones Update

Okay, okay. I know I haven't posted in like 10 days. Do I get any points if I mention that I was dealing with (I think) _four_ Christmases, and none were in the same place?

Got lots of goodies. The only person to get me anything yarn-related that isn't a knitter was Mom. She got me a knitting loom and some notions and some tote bags. Hey, I never thought anyone actually listened when I griped about never having enough notions or bags to put projects in lol.

I have to work today *snarl* so I don't really have time to get photos uploaded properly. You'll just have to wait until next post.

In other news, I got my tour t-shirt from Kim Harrison recently. It's all I can do not to wear this shirt out! There were also some other goodies with it (b&w m&m's with White Witch and Black Curse printed on them, shoelaces with Once Dead, Twice Shy printed on them, and a packet of the Angel tomato seeds). If you haven't read Kim, then the last sentence probably doesn't make much sense.

Anyhoo, I'm off to do some pre-work chores.

Happy Recovery-from-the-holidays, everyone!

GIFTS!

Ames and I exchanged gifts today! See, we did but we didn't know what we were getting each other. Waaaaay back in August or something, she had the awesome idea that we could make each other "knitter's survival kits" for Christmas. So we did. And that was really all that was said about it at the time. We didn't set any limits (as far as I know anyway) and we really had to work on keeping our ideas and things secret. Which is kind of hard when you're buying stuff together. See that little purple bag under the L? We both bought that bag for each other. We actually agreed to get one for each other and change the inner contents. It was great fun to do. I think we're going to keep doing this for the holidays for each other. Does that mean we just started a tradition? Hmm.

So, to list all the spiffy notions and everything:
Photo 1:
The bag everything was in (Stoplight red with orange interior and scads of little pockets inside! The perfect sizes to hold needles and notions and even the keys on an attached lanyard.)

Photo 2:
(Clockwise from top)

A handmade yarn cake holder in green (sitting atop my niftiful card)
Size US 6 dpns
My awesome crocheted "LISHY"
A toolbox filled with more notions (listed below)
Size US 2 14" Straight needles
The purple bag filled with Hersheys Bliss (w/ almonds)
A ball of Patons' Classic Merino in colorway Palais

Photo 3:
(On the lid)

Straight Magnets
Stitch holder
Cable Needle

(In the compartments, Top Row and Large Compartments)

Measuring Tape and Thimble
Scissors, Row Counter, and Stitch Markers
Hand Lotion
Assorted Sewing Needles

(Bottom Row)

Needle Coils
Sweater Needle Holders
Assorted straight pins, safety pins, and buttons


Is this not the coolest gift or what???

If you want to see Ames' goodies (as in her gift, get yer head outta the gutter, you!), check out her blog. I'm sure she'll post it soon ::grins::

50 Odd Things

Learn 50 things about your friends, and let them learn 50 things about you! I thieved this from Si, and added at the end to tally up to 50. :P

1. Do you like blue cheese? Nope. And I usually like cheese.
2. Do you own a gun? Yep. And I know how to use it and clean it.
3. Wax or Shave your body parts? Waxing HURTS!
4. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Not really.
5. Real or fake nails? Real
6. Favorite Christmas song? Holly Jolly Christmas. Don't know why, but it is.
7. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? soda
8. Can you do push ups? probably
9. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? the only jewelry I wear consistently is my amethyst ring and my 'spensive watch
10. Favorite hobby? knitting and reading are tied
11. Do you have A.D.D.? I don-CAT!
12. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? that i'm lazy (I'm thieving Si's answer here)
13. Middle Name? I'm not telling!
14. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? Ouch! What? Hmm...
15. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Big Red, Diet Pepsi, Water?
16. Current worry right now? That my head won't stop hurting
17. Current hate right now? Hate takes a lot of energy I don't feel like wasting.
18. Favorite place to be? Wherever I'm comfortable
20. Like to go Shopping? Depends on what I'm shopping for
22. Do you own slippers? Yep
23. What color shirt are you wearing ? Bleached-out grey.
24. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? um?
26. Favorite color? Jewel tones
27. Would you be a pirate? Can I have Johnny Depp if I say yes?
28. What songs do you sing in the shower? I don't sing, in or out of the shower, unless alcohol is involved.
29. Favorite girl's name? Well, duh, mine lol
30. Favorite boy's name? Seth is good
31. What's in your pocket right now? nothing. I don't have any pockets!
32. Last thing that made you laugh? Probably something OH said to me today.
33. Best bed sheets as a kid? Uh...You expect me to remember something like that?
34. Worst injury you've ever had? I haven't had anything seriously bad...yet. (Knock on wood)
35. Do you love where you live? I like where I live. Is that good enough?
36. How many TV's do you have in your house? 2
37. Who is your loudest friend? They probably consider me the loudest, honestly.
38. How many pets do you have? Mo!
39. Does someone have a crush on you? I'm supposed to be psychic now, too?
40 What is your favorite book? I think favorite books are like potato chips - you can't have just one!
41. What is your favorite candy? CHOCOLATE!
42. Favorite Sports Team? UK Wildcats, I guess.
43. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Knitting, I think.
44. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? What time is it? followed closely by What day is it?
45. Worst habit? Most would say smoking.
46. Do you play an instrument? Does the radio count?
47. How long does it take you to get to work? 10-15 mins
48. Plans for the weekend? Sleeping, and (hopefully) giving Ames her gift!
49. If you could eat anything right this second what would it be? Can never go wrong with steak lol.
50. What's your favorite (still running) TV show? It's a toss-up between House and Grey's.


(And so Ames doesn't shoot me, here's a photo of the scarf I made for my SIL):

Done!

All of my (major) shopping is done!!!!! *insert happy dance*

Of course, now it all has to be wrapped....